KUCHING: The Ministry of Education (MoE) has made curriculum reform its top priority for 2026, with Sarawak schools preparing to implement key initiatives to improve education across the state.
State Education Department (JPNS) director Omar Mahli said the ministry’s focus includes the Implementation of the School Curriculum 2027, starting with the National Pre-School Curriculum 2026, to ensure continuity and prepare students for the carefully planned 2027 curriculum.
“The focus also includes the Education Development Plan 2026 to 2035, which will be launched in January to replace the Education Development Plan 2013 to 2025, which was only recently completed last year.
“All these improvements to the curriculum structure are appropriate and in line with the 7 Core Focus Areas of the Ministry of Education in leading the national education system,” he said during the Early Schooling Aid 2026 at Dewan Al-Muneerah, SMK Petra Jaya here Monday (Jan 12).
He added that to achieve these noble goals and uphold this responsibility, it would require an assurance of well-being and a safe, conducive environment for all teachers and students in schools across Sarawak.
“In efforts to ensure this safety and comfort, we have received strong support and legal backing from our strategic partner, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), who have long assisted in safeguarding security, welfare, and the enforcement of laws, ensuring that educational institutions in Sarawak remain among the safest places for our students to learn and develop their skills and knowledge.
“School liaison officers are on standby to offer legal advice and support, helping to reduce disciplinary cases and build trust among parents, teachers and students.
“It is hoped that no further trust crises will arise among parents, teachers and students regarding safety, welfare and access to high-quality education for students at all educational institutions under the Ministry of Education,” he added.
Earlier, Omar said at the preschool level, Sarawak has added 35 new classes, bringing the total to 1,552 classes across 1,142 educational institutions, covering 23,042 registered children.
“The total does not include students who registered late this year.
“The increase in preschool classes aligns with the Minister of Education’s initiative to expand access to preschool education nationwide,” he said before the event.
Meanwhile, for Year One, 32,709 students are set to begin classes, contributing to a total of 208,583 primary school students in 1,265 schools across the state.
“At the secondary level, 190,019 students will continue from transition classes up to Upper Form Six,” he said.
